Thailand Builds Permanent Fence Along Cambodian Border

Thailand has completed the first phase of a permanent fence along its border with Cambodia, the Thai military announced on Wednesday.

The 1.3km-long structure in the eastern province of Sa Kaeo is made of concrete panels, steel mesh and barbed wire.

Long-term Security Measure

Chief of Defence Forces General Udomdej Sitabutr described the fence as ‘permanent, strong and durable’ for long-term security.

‘We have tested the concrete panels and found they can withstand small arms fire,’ General Udomdej told reporters during a site visit.

The military plans to extend the fence by another 7km, and will conduct a geographical survey of the remaining 817km of the border before proceeding with further construction.

‘Each area has different conditions,’ General Udomdej said. ‘We will only build in areas that are beneficial and will not cause problems in the future.’

Ongoing Military Operations

Military operations are still ongoing along the Thai-Cambodian border, where clashes in July and December last year resulted in the deaths of nearly 150 people and the displacement of 300,000.

The fighting was halted after a five-day ceasefire in July, brokered by US President Donald Trump. A 20-day ceasefire was also agreed upon in December.